25 Fun Things to do in Dar Es Salaam

One of the most entertaining things to do in Dar Es Salaam is swim in the beautiful warm tropical Indian Ocean. Bongoyo Island is a small island off the coast of Dar that makes a fantastic day trip of lazying on the beach, snorkeling Since becoming a marine reserve a few years ago, fees have severely increased, but it’s still worth it. Get to the island by taking a boat from The Slipway shopping center. TINGATINGA ART CENTER Tanzanian’s have long been famous around Africa for their artwork. The modern movement of Tingatinga painting is one favorite styles of Tanzanian art. An artistic movement that began with Edward Said Tingatinga, the style is characterized by extremely bright oil colors and cartoon center is a rainbow of color and artistic inspiration. You can browse around and buy anything you see!

COCO BEACH ON THE WEEKENDS Coco Beach, also known as Oyster Bay, is a stretch of beach located on the Msasani Peninsula of Dar Es Salaam. If you are looking for fun things to do in Dar Es Salaam, head over to Coco Beach on the weekend when it’s packed full of local Tanzanians. There are plenty of street food snacks and sometimes live music. The open area is also a place where frequent concerts and parties take place – check the city events guide. Swimming is not really recommended at Coco Beach, though some choose to wade in the water.

PLACES

TO GO IN DAR

Dar Es Salaam is the main city that most visitors will encounter and the arrival point for most visitors off Dar Es Salaam is also the nearest location to the safari circuits in the South of the country, as well as the far more rural town of Arusha is the start point for most safaris to the North of

ASKARI MONUMENT One of the most well known historical is Askari Monument. Depicting a soldier with his bayonet pointing to the harbor, the monument is a reminder of the soldiers that fought as the Carrier Corps in World War I. The cast bronze Askari Monument is supposedly located in the precise center of Dar,

in the middle of the roundabout that bisects Samora Avenue with Maktaba Street.

TANZANIAN BEVERAGES Everywhere you travel you’ll encounter a new and unique set of local beverages. When you are in Tanzania you may want to sample the selection of locally brewed beer, have a few cups of Dar street coffee and especially guzzle a pungent Stoney Tangawizi. NATIONAL MUSEUM If you want to learn more about the history and culture of Tanzania or see some of the fossils that have been uncovered in the country, you’ll be interested in visiting the National Museum.

MWENGE CARVERS’ VILLAGE Located on the outskirts of town, Mwenge Carvers’ Village is a great attraction in Dar Es Salaam if you are in the market for Tanzanian souvenirs. Though there is a lot of the same-same type of things, if you take the time to browse around you’ll come away with some unique and quality Tanzanian handicrafts.

ZANZIBARI MIX There is one dish in Dar Es Salaam that is rare, but is a gem of an example of an expertly prepared dish that sums up the realm of cultures and traditions of the city: Zanzibari Mix. The makeshift Mama Mumtaz restaurant is not easy to walk to Kariakoo market and ask someone to direct you to it. Zanzibari mix is incredible – a comforting combination of deep fried fritters in a coconut milk curry and garnished with fresh chutneys and chili sauce.

NORTH BEACH – JANGWANI AND MBUJA ISLAND North of Dar Es Salaam there are a few lovely beaches and islands to enjoy as well. From White Sands hotel in Jangwani, you can take a boat to Mbuja Island, a great place to unwind and eat freshly caught Indian Ocean seafood. INDIAN FOOD With a sizable population of Indians, there’s a decent selection of delicious Indian food available in Dar Es Salaam. The Upanga area, in central Dar Es Salaam, is one of the best areas of town to locate good Indian food.

PUGU HILLS NATURE RESERVE Pugu Hills is a designated nature reserve located around 25 kilometers from the center of Dar Es Salaam. Along with an opportunity to hike the trails, you can also choose to bird watch or visit the cave which is famous for its colony of bats. You can either get to Pugu Hills on your own or take a day tour.

KARIAKOO MARKET One of the busiest and most thrilling markets in Dar Es Salaam is the local Kariakoo market. This is the place to go if you are hunting for the best bargains in town or wish to see the authentic side of local style Tanzanian shopping. Make sure you haggle to get the best deals. TEMPLE ROAD If you are walking around downtown Dar Es Salaam, take a stroll down selecti on of religious temples. You can visit a few of the temples and have a look around.

KANGA SHOPPING – UHURU ST. A popular thing to buy in Dar Es Salaam are the colorful pieces of wrap around cloth known as kangas. These brightly dyed rectangles of fabric are patterns and often include a message written in Kiswahili. Head over to Uhuru Street in downtown Dar Es Salaam for a huge distribution selection of kangas. AZANIA LUTHERAN CHURCH Originally built by German missionaries in Tanzania, the Azania Lutheran Church is an iconic structure located at Dar Es Salaam’s harbor front. From the cathedral you’ll have easy access to other tourist attractions around town.

NYAMA CHOMA Nyama choma (roasted meat – often goat) is wildly popular – and incredibly delicious. Go to a local restaurant, order your choice of meat and wait for it to slowly roast. In Tanzania, nyama choma is served with a few chillies and sometimes a tomato and red onion garnish. Many Tanzanians choose to wash down their nyama choma with a few beers.

TANZANIAN STREET FOOD Whether it’s roasted maize or mama cooked Tanzanian chapatis also try Mishkaki which is the Tanzanian version of meat on a stick – street style shish kebabs

SOUTH COST BEACHES Seclusion, peace and quietness is how I would describe the South Coast Beaches of Dar Es Salaam. There are a number of hotels that you can visit, or you can rent your own personal banda

that covered hut for the day. The lanky palm trees rustling in the breeze and the rythmic wash of waves makes spending a day on the South Coast Beaches one of the most relaxing things to do in Dar Es salaam. One of the best things to do on the South Coast is to go horse riding on one of the best beaches you will ever encounter. The Dar Es Salaam Horse Club is located nearby to the world famous Ras Kutani Resort. Get there by personal vehicle or by local dala dala minivan. You’ll need to cross to the Kigamboni side of Dar Es Salaam by taking the ferry across the port.

SWAHILI DELICACIES In the evenings, Ali Kuku, Mamboz, Ten To Ten and Natasha are famous for its barbeque chicken and chips, located in the city centre. Other places to try matoke (green banana) are Chef’s Pride (Chagga Street in city centre) or Zahir Restaurants ( Mosque St in city centre).

NIGHT LIFE Dar Es salaam has alot to offer when it comes to entertainment and relaxation especially at night. here is a collection of top venues to kick start your experience in this amazing city! Akira is one the favourite rooftop bars in Dar es Salaam. With a chilled out vibe sea views. Dar Live has a Zanzibari feel to it, being on the beach, and is open and very casual. The bar is on the beach, nestled among Dhow furniture in a most rustic fashion, open throughout the week. The George and Dragon has a very strong expat following with various activities every night to keep anyone entertained. Trinity is another place with a true Tanzanian feel with live bands and good vibe, located near Oyster Bay. Every saturday entertained at Mediterraneo with live band, beach party and bikini party.There as, Sea Cliff Casino, Princess Casino, New Africa in the city where you can have fun, gambling experience and be entertained. Latest on the block and with the best views of Dar by night is High Spirit Bar, Lounge & Nightclub located on the roof top of IT Plaza, Ohio Street and Havoc Nighspot is the freshest addition to Dar’s nightclub scene with spectacular views of the ocean and Dar’s skyline and offering a wide range of drinks and cocktails, dance the night away to the rythmic and eclectic beats by our DJs and special performers.

VILLAGE MUSEUM The Village Museum offers a chance to observe a number of typical style Tanzanian traditional huts and learn more about the tribes of the country. Dance and drum performances are held in the evenings on weekends.

DAR ES SALAAM FISH MARKET One of the favorite things to do in Dar Es Salaam is wake up early in the morning and wander around the Dar the city to purchase the fresh catch of taking place.

THE SLIPWAY The Slipway is Dar Es Salaam’s premier shopping and leisure centre. Here, you can shop, drink, dine or watch the sun set over the Indian Ocean. Parents can set their children loose in our waterfront playground, and travelers can relax in BAGAMOYO TOWN

FISHING